I first encountered Down A Dark Hall in 1990/91 when I was 13 or 14 and had just recently discoRe-read this one so I could review it for my book blog.

I first encountered Down A Dark Hall in 1990/91 when I was 13 or 14 and had just recently discovered the world of Teen Books. Particularly scary teen books. My best friend Lisa and I had already read a TON of Fear Street and were working our way through the Christopher Pike catalog.

Then I found a couple Lois Duncan books in a box of used books a friend of the family gave to me. Her daughter was in college and apparently didn't want her old books any more. They were Down A Dark Hall and Stranger With My Face, and were mixed in with a bunch of well-loved Sweet Valley High and Babysitters Club. I had no interest in the SVH or BC (I just wasn't into that girlie drama stuff), but Duncan's books, with their creepy cover art, interested me instantly. I devoured them and they terrified me. Especially Down A Dark Hall. Up until that point, I didn't have much experience with possession-themed stories, and Duncan handled the concept very well for a YA/Teen author. Just the idea that a ghost or spirit could climb into my body as I slept and do whatever he/she pleased... Eewwww! So aside from going out of my way to avoid the bathroom mirror at night, I also had that to think about. What can I say, I had an active imagination.

So I was excited for the re-read.

The story itself was still as creepy as I remembered. It still had that air of foreboding throughout. Unfortunately, the copy I just finished was the "updated" version. That is, the author goes back into a book published decades earlier and adds in stuff like cell phones and computers. This made the story kind of awkward, and the updates felt out of place--like they were just dropped in out of nowhere. Plus there were a few inconsistencies. For example, there is a scene where two characters are discussing a song on a CD...but a few paragraphs later, the media format is referred to as a "tape." I realize that such updating is probably necessary to make the story relatable to today's audience, but I wish Ms. Duncan had just left the story as-is. It was better the old way....more

Each summer, Cady Sinclair's family lives on an idyllic private island. The Grandparents: Harris and Tipper. The Aunts: Carrie, Bess, and Penny. The CEach summer, Cady Sinclair's family lives on an idyllic private island. The Grandparents: Harris and Tipper. The Aunts: Carrie, Bess, and Penny. The Children: Johnny, Will, Mirrin, Liberty, Taft, Bonnie, and Cadence. Cady. And there's Gatwick. Gat. The boy Cady loves. On the surface, everything seems beautiful. Perfect.

But there is a hidden underbelly to this life. This story. The dark and ugly part outsiders don't see, because to show weakness and imperfection is SO not the Sinclair style. The aunts quarrel constantly over the large inheritance, and the cruel and senile grandfather fuels these arguments for his own sick amusement. Cady and Gat's budding relationship is forbidden because Gat is an outsider. A foreigner. And, even though no one will come out and say as much, the wrong color. But Cady doesn't care. She sees through the adults' shallowness and pettiness. She, Gat, Mirrin, and Johnny. The Liars, as they call themselves. Then, their 15th summer on the island, the four devise the perfect plan to punish the adults and make them see the error of their ways. Make them see just how shallow and petty they really are. It's foolproof.

Only something goes very wrong.

Cady is found on the beach, half-clothed and with mysterious injuries no memory of what happened.

She is taken away, hospitalized. For two years, she is not allowed to return to the island or even speak of it. No one will tell her what happened that night or why she can't remember anything. Her emails, letters, calls to Johnny, Mirrin, and even Gat are ignored. She can't imagine why the people who matter most to her have abandoned her when she needs them most, and she's desperately hurt by it.

Then the summer before she turns 18, Cady is permitted to return to the island. The grandfather (grandmother is now dead), the aunts, the Liars, and the younger cousins are all there...and everyone is carrying on as if nothing happened years earlier. It's obvious something is very and profoundly wrong, but one will tell Cady anything.

She must get on with her life, they say.

She must remember on her own, they say.

And then she DOES remember. And nothing can ever be the same again.

We Were Liars is an amazing story with the most shocking, unpredictable twist I've encountered in a long time. Read it!...more

UPDATE 8/13/14: In short, the book was typical of that genre from that era: Stock characters, predictable plot, and filled with many, many cliches. ThUPDATE 8/13/14: In short, the book was typical of that genre from that era: Stock characters, predictable plot, and filled with many, many cliches. The verdict: Not as good or as creepy as I remembered, but at least it's no longer a nagging and hazy memory. AND at least there was no love triangle, which I'm more grateful for than I can adequately express (had it been written today, Cinnamon would likely be carrying on dual relationships with boy-next-door Paul and ghostly stalker Felix)

UPDATE 8/11/14: Finally the book is in my eager hands! I must finish some other stuff first, but I can't wait to start reading!

I've been trying to find this one FOREVER! Like, YEARS! I'd read it as a teen and parts of it stayed with me into adulthood, but all I could remember about the story was it involved a haunting, an unusual window, and a girl named Cinnamon. It was really bothering me I couldn't find it anywhere.

Well, looking up another stumper, I stumbled across it (thank you Loganberry website!!) I found it in my library catalog system, placed a hold, and it is on its way to me.

Soon I will see if my memory matches reality... (and hope that it's not another "All On A Winter's Day," where memory definitely did NOT match the re-read)...more

I first read this one when I was about...13 or 14 (ish). My best friend and I were really into those dime-a-dozen, so numerous they were probably ghosI first read this one when I was about...13 or 14 (ish). My best friend and I were really into those dime-a-dozen, so numerous they were probably ghost-written paperback paranormal novels targeting teen girls in the early 90s. We devoured dozens of them, and, after exclaiming how "freaky" they were, forgot them. However, All On A Winter's Day was one of those rare cases where the story actually stuck in my head, at least in part. All I could remember was it was a ghost story with a twist (view spoiler)[The main characters, a brother and sister, wake to find their parents gone, their home changed, and two ghostly children wandering about. They set about trying to help the ghosts. The twist comes at the end where the reader learns the protags are actually the ghosts (hide spoiler)]. Apart from that, I couldn't recall anything. Not the title, not the author, not the details. Not knowing everything about every book ever written... sigh! I know, I'm a shame to my profession.

However, the memory of how creepy the story was had been haunting (pun very intended) me for some time now, so I put out a request to the Great Brain over at the Yalsa listserv. I told what I remembered of the book...and the next day I had my answer (thank you Great Brain!). I searched and found the book in my library system, sent for it, and eagerly awaited revisiting the story that had so creeped me out as a teen.

And I learned a valuable lesson: Some things are best left as memories. The book was poorly written and riddled with typos, redundancies, and cliches. Characters were underdeveloped. The plot dragged. I ended up walking away from the book after 3 or 4 chapters, thoroughly disgusted with my teenage self for thinking this book was quality literature. Of course that same teenage self loved Fear Street and everything by Christopher Pike, so there you go.

Next time I remember bits and pieces of a book I read in my teens, I'll leave well enough along.

However, therewas that book where the main character's name was Cinnamon and her new house was haunted by the ghost of a girl who'd lived there before. There was a mystery. I think there was something in it about flowers (roses?) and a stained glass window. The protag might have been recovering from a personal tragedy (death of a parent or sibling?). There might also have been something about a cursed soldier statue (WW1 maybe) who came to life at the full moon, but that might have been a different book. Either way, I'd be curious to revisit that one.["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>...more

Words cannot describe how much I loved this book. It's such a fantastic coming-of-age story! Bria was, for me, a very relatable character. Having growWords cannot describe how much I loved this book. It's such a fantastic coming-of-age story! Bria was, for me, a very relatable character. Having grown up pretty sheltered and naïve about the world at large, I longed for something more, to break free of the predictable good-girl habit and let out that free spirit I knew was somewhere inside me...to let go of all worries and have myself a grand adventure...to become something more. I still feel that way sometimes, and Wanderlove reawakened that sense of adventure in me (and made my cabin fever all the worse, but that's ok). I loved the character arcs, how Bria and Rowan, as different as they were, played off each other and grew because of each other. It was believable and it made me feel something other than the typical "Yep, I finished the book" feeling. It was one of those books I wanted to hug when I finished (this has only happened with a small handful of books--and I read a lot!). I was sad it was over, but so, so happy I read it. Kudos to Kirsten Hubbard for writing such an amazing book!

This was one of my favorites when I was a kid--and probably the first chapter book I read on my own. I read it again and again, but it's been years siThis was one of my favorites when I was a kid--and probably the first chapter book I read on my own. I read it again and again, but it's been years since my last reading. Just got a (used) hardcover copy for xmas and got to enjoy it all over again. It's a cute story. Not as suspenseful as I remember it...and the characters are kind of a bunch of "Mary Sue's". But a good book still. Five stars for the nostalgia factor. ...more

Re-read in anticipation of Book 3 which (yay! yay! and yay again!) will soon be in my hands!

My thoughts: Just as good the second time around!

Lately,Re-read in anticipation of Book 3 which (yay! yay! and yay again!) will soon be in my hands!

My thoughts: Just as good the second time around!

Lately, I've been reading a lot of middle books (in trilogies, in quartets, etc.), and unlike most, The Statue of Ku does not fall victim to what's commonly become known around here as "second book syndrome" or "middle book syndrome" (you know, where not much happens and the book serves as more of a gateway into the concluding volume). I'm pleased to report this is not the case with this book.

Rather, The Statue of Ku takes the fantastic journey that began in Moa and builds upon it, making for an even better read. As the story opens, we find the girls jetting off to Egypt to (hopefully) retrieve Moa's prized family heirloom, the subject of the title. The girls soon learn their success is crucial to life as they know it. But their mission will prove a difficult task on many levels. Like in Moa, there are some very real dangers, both physical and spiritual. But there are also important lessons. And the ending! I don't like to give too much away, so I'll just leave it at this: The ending, for me, made it essential that I read Book 3.

There was so much that was great about this book! I really loved getting to know the returning characters better. Hillary is still my favorite. She's not the picture perfect popular teen (just the opposite, in fact), but she's well-adjusted and wise despite her troubled past. And the new characters! Ku was so fascinating and well-drawn. I really enjoyed getting to know him. The setting is just as exotic as in Moa. However, having been to the area of Hawaii where Moa was set, I had an easier time picturing the details of everything. All I know of Egypt is what I've seen in pictures, documentaries, and books (side note:"The Egypt Game," by Zilpha Snyder was a childhood favorite). But the setting is great just the same, and I could tell the author has a real interest in Egypt and Egyptian culture. A unique feature of this story (and of Moa) I really liked was the shifting viewpoint, where the POV jumped among the characters and a third party narrator. Another of my favorite authors, Kathi Appelt, is particularly well-known for this (side note: loved "Keeper"). I realize not everyone likes this type of shifting perspective, but I find it helps me to get to know the characters and the story better. It's extremely difficult to pull this sort of writing off, but Tricia Steward Shiu handles it successfully. And, of course, the book wouldn't be complete without the lovely illustrations by Sydney Shiu!

A note about both books: So far, the Moa trilogy is both fun to read and uplifting. I look forward to discovering how, and where, this journey will end up.

p.s. No idea why my original review vanished from my feed. I guess, like with everything involving technology, Goodreads is prone to an occasional hiccup. Oh well......more

I first encountered this book when I was...oh, about 9 or 10. And, while I didn't understand all the humor contained within, I, being a school studentI first encountered this book when I was...oh, about 9 or 10. And, while I didn't understand all the humor contained within, I, being a school student and immersed in daily school life, could certainly "get" much of it. And the rest? Well, it went right over my sweet and innocent little pig-tailed head. As did the concept of the early 80s Apple Computer game Liesure Suit Larry, which my cousins and I once hacked into by researching and memorizing the trivia you had to answer to "prove" you were over 18 (it was forbidden and we were curious). But I digress... Either way, my enjoyment of this book proves I was a fan of Matt Groening even before The Simpsons made their debut many years later.

I recently had the pleasure of re-reading this delightful book. And, even though my school days are far behind me (thankfully!), I snickered anew. At all the old jokes...and the ones I previously didn't get. Yes, some of the material is a bit dated (remember, this was created in the days before cell phones, MP3 players, the internet, and other modern inventions), but the old-schoolness of it is part of its charm.

No spoilers here. You'll have to check this out for yourselves!...more

One of my favorite old-school short stories (The term "old-school" referring to classic literature I was forced to read and analyze for a former classOne of my favorite old-school short stories (The term "old-school" referring to classic literature I was forced to read and analyze for a former class assignment and ended up really liking). I've re-read it several times since I first discovered it back in 1997. Warps my mind every time! I love it!...more

Listened to this one to review professionally, so I suppose I must refrain from squee-ing like a fangirl. But what the heck... SQUEEE!

June 7, 2013: OnListened to this one to review professionally, so I suppose I must refrain from squee-ing like a fangirl. But what the heck... SQUEEE!

June 7, 2013: On the re-read: Squee, squee, and squee some more! My review has been published, so I give myself full permission to spaz out. This book is supercalafragafantastic! On the first go-round, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. And since I was listening to it, I didn't have the luxury of looking ahead to see if a character would be all right (Ok, I don't like to admit to doing this...and I don't even like doing it. But sometimes if a book is extra scary or extra suspenseful, I sometimes sneak a peek to make sure a character will come through the situation with their arms and viral organs intact). And what a reader for this audio! Holy wow, Batman! And I was just as glued the second time around. And I'm all the more anxious for book 2.

Yet another favorite from when I was a teen. Rachel is a spunky, strong heroine. I enjoyed re-reading her adventures as she attempted to rescue her kiYet another favorite from when I was a teen. Rachel is a spunky, strong heroine. I enjoyed re-reading her adventures as she attempted to rescue her kidnapped brother....more

When I was 12, my mom flat-out forbid me to read this book--even though lots of my friends were reading the series. She said it was a "naugnty book."When I was 12, my mom flat-out forbid me to read this book--even though lots of my friends were reading the series. She said it was a "naugnty book." So I did what any self-respecting pre-teen would do: I snuck it! In fact, by keeping "Ramona Forever" (or some such innocent-seeming book) on my nightstand and VC Andrews under my mattress, I managed to sneak-read the whole series over the processs of several weeks...and my mom was never the wiser. I'll be honest in saying, at the time, I thought Flowers In The Attic was, like, the "BEST! BOOK! EVER!" How much of this was based on the "forbidden" nature of the book, I don't know. Probably at least 70% And keep in mind I'd never read anything remotely like this, save the snippits of Judy Blume's "Forever" my classmates and I grossed out over two years earlier before our teacher caught on (but that's another story for another time). My literary experience (and I use that term loosely) was very limited. So there you have it.

Recently, nostalgia got the better of me and I re-read "Flowers". And, well, let's just say one's pre-adolescent memory of something can't be counted as accurate. Not in the face of adult maturity and a far-expanded literary palate. Short answer: It was bad. Laughablly bad. But a nice trip down memory lane just the same....more

Finished the audio (re-read) and am about do delve into my ARC of Book 3 so I can do the promised review. I stand by my original rating (from August 2Finished the audio (re-read) and am about do delve into my ARC of Book 3 so I can do the promised review. I stand by my original rating (from August 2012) of 4 stars. This series is totally awesome! ...more

Hillary and Molly's great-great-great Grandfather was not a nice man. In life, he was a power-hungry, ruthless man who attempted to take over the HawaHillary and Molly's great-great-great Grandfather was not a nice man. In life, he was a power-hungry, ruthless man who attempted to take over the Hawaiian Islands. When supporters of the rightful King came after him, he fled to a space between the worlds and became trapped there. Since, he has been trying to get back so he can have his revenge on the man responsible for his imprisonment. His hate has closed the portal between worlds, meaning souls needing to cross over won't be able to. If the portal is not reopened--and soon--global distruction is a certainty.

Enter Moa, the spirit of a 7-year-old girl who, centuries ago, agreed to be guardian of this mystical portal. Moa recruits Hillary, a troubled teen who has come to Hawai'i to visit her sister and cousin, to help her reopen the portal and save the world. Bad news is, they only have 72 hours to do so. That's only IF Moa can convince Hillary to help her. And even so, Hillary must face and conquer her own inner demons if she's to be in a position to help anyone. There's a twist as to exactly why Moa sought out Hillary, and why Grandfather tried to harm Hillary's cousin Heidi, but no spiolers here.

I did have to silence my inner editor at times, as I ran across several mistakes in reading (grammatical and otherwise). A common trait of self-publishing. Overall, though, I really loved this book! Stories about global destriction of some sort are a dime a dozen these days, and most are quite depressing. Eye-rollingly depressing. Although Moa was about saving the world from such destruction, and although the title heroine and Hillary battled some pretty evil forces, there is nothing even remotely dark about this book. Rather, it is a very positive, very uplifting story, and I'm really glad to have read it. And I look forward to the next installment. ...more

Started the ARC a while ago, but never finished it...for whatever reason. My library recently acquired it, and I read it in full. And liked it. Not anStarted the ARC a while ago, but never finished it...for whatever reason. My library recently acquired it, and I read it in full. And liked it. Not an astonishing example of literary genius, but enjoyable....more

It weirded me out at 14 and it weirded me out again at 35. Creepy and atmospheric, I remembered specific things about this book, specific imageries, tIt weirded me out at 14 and it weirded me out again at 35. Creepy and atmospheric, I remembered specific things about this book, specific imageries, that, as a teen, repelled me as much as drove me to keep reading until the very end and then recommend it to my BFF (who too was creeped out). Strong enough to stay with me for 20 years. The re-read brought it all back. *shiver* And I'm still undecided whether I liked it or just the opposite....more

10/1/14: As adorable as I remembered. Not my favorite of the trilogy (that honor still belongs to "Lola"), but adorable. It's easy to see why it's suc10/1/14: As adorable as I remembered. Not my favorite of the trilogy (that honor still belongs to "Lola"), but adorable. It's easy to see why it's such a popular book series :) I do want to add this: This book reads like the script for an iconic chick flick, and I wonder how long it'll take before it's made into a movie.

9/26/14: Re-Reading after devouring "Isla" (That scene at the end with Anna and St. Clair...I wanted to re-experience how they got to that point). It's just as sweet as the first time around :)...more

What a difference an audio makes sometimes! Read the print copy as an ARC and liked it, although not as much as Lips Touch (shortProfessional Review.

What a difference an audio makes sometimes! Read the print copy as an ARC and liked it, although not as much as Lips Touch (short story collection). But the audio took this book from good to amazing!...more

Read this one when I was maybe only a year or two older than the characters. At the time, I was a member of a BFF Triangle, much like in the book, soRead this one when I was maybe only a year or two older than the characters. At the time, I was a member of a BFF Triangle, much like in the book, so I really related to how the dymanics of such a group can shift on a daily basis. Sometimes it was Lisa and I; Sometimes it was Lisa and Theresa; Sometimes it was the three of us; Sometimes... You get the idea. Anyway, I remember reading, re-reading, and enjoying this book many times before it finally got lost somewhere along the way. Most likely my mom donated it to the Goodwill along with several other childhood books when I left to attend college.

Then a couple years ago I discovered the sequel, Here's To You, Rachel Robinson. While Book One was told from Stephanie's perspective, this second book is told from Rachel's. I admit I didn't enjoy it as much as the first. However, that probably had a lot to do with my reading the sequel as an adult and, therefore, not really being able to relate as well to the teenage drama and trauma going on within the pages. Still an excellent book, though.

Both books are a bit dated (the characters don't have QWERTY cell phones, Facebook accounts, Wi-Fi, etc.), but teen readers will likely forgive this on account of the excellent storyline, relatable characters, and still-relevant issues.

My only complaint? There should be a third book from Allison's perspective. After all, the books are about three best friends... Just a thought. ...more

I hereby bestow upon Going Bovine the Greatest Freaking Book Ever Written Award! Seriously. This one was awesome! And then some. It's all that and a sI hereby bestow upon Going Bovine the Greatest Freaking Book Ever Written Award! Seriously. This one was awesome! And then some. It's all that and a side of seasoned curly fries. With fancy dijon ketchup. I admit I was a tad put off by the cover at first. The upright cow was creepy (I was once asked the question, "What if animals walked upright when humans aren't looking". The question wierded me out and, to this day, I still get that bizarre mental picture of my cats walking around on their hind legs, doing people things) and the yard gnome sort of gave me the heebie-jeebies (yard gnomes remind me of dolls which remind me of Chuckie--shudder)... But after hearing all the glowing, gushing, shining things said about the book, I caved into peer pressure. And boy am I glad I did! Thank you Mom for telling me to never judge a book by it's cover. I've found my #1 favorite.

First, you must know that Going Bovine is not your typical book with the typical plot or the typical characters. Cameron is sort of the hapless, slacker-y, anti-hero type you can't help but love. When we first meet Cam, he almost drowns in the filthy waters of Disney's Small World ride... And from there, Cameron's life goes downhill: He's practically failing school, his father is a horse's behind, he gets fired from his menial minimum wage job, and, then the clincher, he is diagnosed with a rare and agressive form of Mad Cow disease. Life sucks and then you die, right?

Wrong.

Just when the world seems at it's darkest and most cruel, a glimmer of hope appears in all her glory at Cameron's hospital bedside. Enter Dulcie, a punk-rock angel with pink hair and spray-painted wings. She informs Cameron that, if he can somehow locate the mysterious and elusive Dr. X, a mad scientist type who vanished years before, he will not only be cured of his ailments, but also save the world. After some arm twisting, Cameron agrees to the quest. He is joined on his mission by Gonzo, a spaztic and neurotic dwarf, and Balder, a cursed Norse god in the guise of a yard gnome. Together these three misfits have the most fantastic adventure of a lifetime. Heck, of 10 lifetimes. They battle fire monsters, narrowly escape being brainwashed by a smoothie-chugging cult, perform with a world-renound Jazz musician, encounter time-warping scientists, run from the law, crash the biggest Spring Break party of the year, and attentnd a concert performance of what will probably be the greatest reunion tour of the century. They also uncover one of the greatest lesser-known mysteries known to man: The truth about snowglobes (and it's creepier than the moving, talking pictures of Harry Potter fame!)

But do Cameron and crew find Dr. X before it's too late. Sure they do. But the result may not be what you'd expect. I sure didn't see it coming.

Going Bovine is a hilarious (literally) laugh out loud read that will have you on the edge of your seat and keep you reading late into the night, wondering what mad-cap fix Cameron and Crew were going to find themselves in next. If you do tackle this book (and I highly recommend you do), keep this in mind: Do not, I repeat DO NOT disregard even the smallest detail. Everything is important.

I do believe I'm craving a smoothie. Peach-Mango. A nice game of bowling (one where I can't lose) might be fun too...

Oh my... Where to start? My Happiness has been buzzing and bouncing all about since I finished this one over the weekend. I didn't even need to boostOh my... Where to start? My Happiness has been buzzing and bouncing all about since I finished this one over the weekend. I didn't even need to boost the good vibes with a smoothie.

So... For those of us who have read Lord of the Flies, either on our own or having been forced to do so by some well-meaning and/or sadistic English teacher (for me it was the later), we know what happens when boys are isolated on a deserted island. The evolutionary clock ticks rapidly backwards and those said boys are reduced to something no more human than a pack of starving feral dogs (or feral cats, if you're a cat person). But what happens when the same happens to a bunch of girls? Well, those girls throw off the shackles imposed on them by a beauty-obsessed society and become something closer to who they're supposed to be. They don't even care if their mascara smudges. At least not after a while. Plus, they're likely wearing smudge-proof, water-proof mascara that can withstand being hit with a tsunami.

So what more can I say about Beauty Queens other than it was Supercalafragafreaking Awesome? That it was all that and a side of seasoned curly fries in gourmet dijon ketchup? That it was dipped in chocolate-flavored Awesome Sauce, covered with rainbow sprinkles and topped with whipped cream and a cherry? Part satire, part adventure, part coming-of-age novel, part romance, and all awesome, Beauty Queens is a more than worthy follow up to Going Bovine (the reviewer's all-time-favorite book). It told the story of the 14 surviving Miss Teen Dream contestants and how they survived and thrived after a plane crash marooned them on a mysterious tropical island. After they get past petty differences and the vicious pagent competativeness that would make Godzilla cower in fear, they become friends in a way they thought they could never become friends with anyone. Least of all the enemy. Each girl brings something to the story. Each one guards a secret they do their best to cover with lipstick and sparkle. By the end of the book, each Beauty Queen has cast off her glittery false facade and become who she really is meant to be. Oh, and did I mention these girls also uncover, expose, and defeat one of the biggest government conspiracies in the history of conspiracies? Oh yeah...and there are Pirates! Hot Pirates! It's an adventure most excellent. Really, you should check this one out! And I'm not just saying that because I was promised a lifetime supply of Gummi Bears.

Interrupting the story every few chapters are spoof advertisements for hilarious products (Maxi-Pets anyone?). When I first saw this, I figured it would interrupt the flow and take away from the story, but Libba Bray is such a talented writer that these commercial breaks actually made the story all the better. Besides, they, like regular commercial breaks, gave the reviewer the chance to pop into the kitchen for a snack or make a pit stop without missing anything.

Of course no review or explanation could do justice to this book. It's beyond all that. Just know that when you pick up a copy of Beauty Queens, you're in for a sparkling adventure overflowing with Grrrl Power! ...more

I remember reading this when I was in second grade. Actually, the teacher read it to the class and we followed along. At the time, I remember not beinI remember reading this when I was in second grade. Actually, the teacher read it to the class and we followed along. At the time, I remember not being too into the story, prefering instead to use the time drawing pictures in my notebook and plotting my next move for that coming recess's game of "I Have A Unicorn" (This was an extremely elaborate game of strategy, planning, and one-up-manship me and about 5 or 6 other girls played at each afternoon recess. If you didn't plan ahead, you'd get beat out and totally demoted from your social standing--and the swings--until next time.) Looking back, though, I don't think I was mature enough or had a long enough attention span to grasp some of the complex ideas and consepts that were the very groundwork for this story. I don't think any of us were. I blame the teacher's poor choice in books. She probably should've chosen something more appropriate to our 7 and 8 year old minds.

Thankfully, from about 5th grade on up, I devoted myself to watching programs and movies devoted to the Sci-fi genre: Star Wars, Star Trek, Back to the Future (all three)...right on up to this past summer/fall's marathon of watching the Lost episodes back to back. I was introduced to--and was able to follow--storylines containing the flash-back, the flash-forward, the flash-sideways, the alternate reality, the time warp (I even learned the dance. "It's just a jump to the left..."). My literary choices delved into some of the same concepts, which I easily wrapped my mind around without hurting myself or causing any permanent damage. Strangely, though, in that time I never revisited Wrinkle. Until recently, that is. Prompted by an early spring cleaning bug, I stumbled upon my dusty and stinky copy of this book...and read it in an afternoon. Compaired to the complexities of some of the other books and TV/movies I've experienced since my first encounter with Wrinkle, I found the book to be simplistic and, really, kind of precious. And dated.

But still, a worthy read. And very enjoyable! I liked the flawed and quirky characters of Meg and Calvin and, of course, the three Mrs. W's. However, for some reason the character of Charles Wallace made me think of Stewie of Family Guy fame (guess because he talked like a pompas old man)... The plot was your basic Good vs. Evil type thing with a sci-fi twist. The ending was happy (Mr. Murry being reunited with his family), but still left just enough open to leave room for the sequels. But Wrinkle could also work as a stand-alone.

Not sure if I'll read the rest of the series, but I'm glad I revisited Wrinkle. I'd recommend it. Not to a second grader. Or even a third grader. But I would recommend it....more

Just rediscovered (revisited?) this one. I'd read it in middle school and the sheer wierdness of the story stayed with me. On the reread, it was justJust rediscovered (revisited?) this one. I'd read it in middle school and the sheer wierdness of the story stayed with me. On the reread, it was just as bizarre, disturbing, and suspenseful as I remembered. But good. Oh so very good!

An early survival-type book. Five teens find themselves in a seemingly-endless room filled with nothing but stairs leading nowhere. Their lives become centred on a mysterious machine that dispenses food, rewards, and punishments, seemingly without rhyme or reason. As the story progresses, we learn more about the characters and find that they all have things in common, things that lead them to the House of Stairs.

They finally escape and learn something about why they were brought to this mysterious and frightening place, but their imprisonment leaves lasting effects. ...more